Thompson and Murawski formed a campaign team early in the race and were joined by incumbent Ward 2 Alderman Larry Buschjost who was unopposed. Campaign signs around Lake Ozark included the names of all three candidates in a unified effort.

While Thompson and Murawski say they don’t always agree on the issues, they did agree it was time for change in Lake Ozark.

“The voters believe that a better job should be done and new people promise to do that job,” they said in a joint statement. “We look forward to seeing the city of Lake Ozark continue to grow in a positive way and we believe our constituents felt the same way.

“We evangelized that message with energy and passion. Perhaps the message has been told before, but voters were willing to take a chance and make the change. We also campaigned hard and had very energetic people helping us. We thank all of those who helped us and especially all those who voted for us.”

Thompson and Murawski also had praise for the incumbents, Van Donsel and Langley.

“We know the hard work and dedication that Don and Jeff have put into making the city a better place to live and do business, and we hope they will continue to advise and support our efforts and to continue to be active in the city.”

Thompson and Murawski will be sworn into office at the April 22 regular meeting.

Osage Beach

Tom Walker, who defeated incumbent Fred Catcott by 29 votes, said he, too, was diligent in his campaigning.

“I think the voters in Ward 3 wanted to see a positive change,” he offered. “I think also that they were intrigued with my campaign statements about the need to nurture youth in our community. The city of Osage Beach needs to take a lead role in supporting encouraging our youth to seek greatness.”

Page 2 of 2 - For example, the damaged city park could be used as a teaching tool during renovation.

“The youth could discover the value of being involved in a positive group activity, with the results benefitting others within the community,” Walker said. “There are more than 30 organizations in the area that would be glad to form a coalition for youth development, and it wouldn’t cost the city a red cent.”

Walker also pointed to the “Dead End West End” issue as another reason voters wanted change.

“I think that the issue involving the west end of the Parkway, and how I feel about how the businesses and residents have been treated over there, was also a factor,” he said. “I think people believe I’m serious about the need to compromise to get something done sooner than the city’s objective of 2015.”

The other new alderman ― Phyllis Marose ― said she believes her experience as a business owner on the struggling west side of the Grand Glaize Bridge was one factor in her defeat of incumbent Myler.

“I think the citizens of Ward 2 felt it was time to have another business owner as alderman. My extensive business background will enable me to make a valuable contribution in solving the complexities of the city's business matters and operation,” she said.

As a business owner west of the Grand Glaize Bridge, she said her interest is to increase traffic flow on Osage Beach Parkway as well as to enhance major developments.

“It is essential that the city move aggressively to make our old thoroughfare another ‘main stream’ of traffic,” Marose suggested.

She said it’s also important to her to represent the residents and to convey and satisfy their needs and desires.

Walker and Marose will be sworn into office April 17 if the vote totals are certified by county officials by then.